In a season where giants stumbled, it was the youngsters who stood tall. Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad may not have had dream runs in IPL 2025, but one thing is clear—the future is already here.

CSK, a team that traditionally leans on experience, found its biggest sparks in youth. 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre turned heads with his explosive stroke play—32 off 15 on debut, 30 off 19 next match, and then a jaw-dropping 94 off 48 against RCB.

In just 7 games, he scored 240 runs at a strike rate close to 190. Not bad for a teenager in a team known for legends.

Backing him was Urvil Patel, who hammered 31 off just 11 balls in his debut against KKR. Another exciting mid-season addition was Dewald Brevis, whose aggressive mindset brought a new flavor to CSK’s batting. Brevis smashed 225 runs at a strike rate of 180, including two fifties and 17 sixes.

On the bowling front, Noor Ahmad emerged as CSK’s trump card. Signed for ₹10 crore, the former GT spinner delivered big—24 wickets and the Purple Cap in the group stage. While big names faltered, Noor was calm, clever, and deadly.

Sunrisers Hyderabad had a similar youth-powered narrative. Eshan Malinga, on debut, picked up 2 wickets and continued to shine, finishing with 13 wickets in 7 matches.

Then came Harsh Dubey, Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy hero, who claimed 5 wickets in just 3 games—including a memorable dismissal of Virat Kohli.

These weren’t just cameos—they were statements.

For CSK and SRH, this fearless new wave signals a shift. The fans saw it. The teams felt it. And heading into next season, there’s no doubt these youngsters will be central to future plans. It’s not about replacing experience, but rewriting what impact looks like.

Because the IPL isn’t just about who’s played the most games—it’s about who plays the boldest.

Also Read: GT gunning for throne, but CSK's young guns could blow it all up!

tristan stubbs

Heartbreak to hype: CSK & SRH’s fearless young stars shine bright!

tristan stubbs

Heartbreak to hype: CSK & SRH’s fearless young stars shine bright!